Crown and bridge fabrication techniques for implant restorations may be similar to those for natural teeth. However the dentist must be acutely aware of the differences between implants and natural teeth in order to create a restoration that will be free from complications. There are three types of implant complications (cosmetic, functional, and hygienic) and they are often related to one another. Solving an obvious esthetic dilemma often introduces a more subtle hygienic one.

Upon completion of this CE Activity, the student will have learned: the different prosthetic contours used in implant restorations and how they can affect the underlying hard and soft tissues; proper cementation technique to avoid one of the most common implant complications, cement-induced peri-implant disease.